THE ANTI-GERMAN MEETING

New Zealand Mail, 22 January 1902, Page 19

THE ANTI-GERMAN MEETING

(By “Erie.”)

As a rule, ours is not an excitable community, and it takes something unusual to disturb the even tenour of our minds. As a community, we never do things by halves. The meeting in the Theatre Royal on Friday afternoon was a very thorough one. There was a good bit of pent-up patriotism, which has not had an opportunity of expressing itself while the Britons of tho world have been doing grand deeds and making history. This protest against the vile calumnies of the Germans was well timed. * * * * * *

Mr Dix very practically showed his view of the situation by giving the use of tho theatre for the meeting. The Union Jack was hung from the top of the stage, and all the true Englishmen who had seats there, ranged themselves under tho “grand old flag” with pride in their right to it. ft *

As the theatre rapidly filled, it was curious to observe how all sorts and Conditions were represented—clergy of all denominations, medical men, lawyers, merchants, tradesmen and artisans and women of every grade, from tue richest to tho poorest, were there, drawn by tho strong cord which binds us into such a mighty nation—the bond of Empire. ft ft ft ft ft

The expression of strong feeling was on every face, and the human sympathy which was in the very air, made of itself a unique experience. The absence of levity, and a curious grimness of manner gave a character to the assemblage that was an object lesson to our maligners.

The waiting time was very pleasantly filled up by the excellent orchestra, and wo felt grateful to them for splaying all the grand old national airs, which harmonised with our feelings. “Them’s my sentiments” was the universal expression. * > * * - •

His Worship the Mayor read divers letters of apology from those not present, and proceeded after a short speech to

call on Mr Duthie to move the splendidly comprehensive resolution of the meeting. Mr Duthie’s subject filled him with enthusiasm, and he did justice to his strongly patriotic feelings. He was constantly cheered as he sketched the causes of the war and referred to the over-humane conduct of it by our army. There was no uncertain note in his speech and he had the full sympathy of his audience when he pictured liow readily New Zealand had offered her strongest and best sons and was ready to give so long as tlie Empire had need. The steady, grim cheers which answered to this sentiment were eloquent as a refutation of foreign sneers. * * ft ft ft

Mr Bruce’s speech was a very finished piece of oratory, and it was marked by whole-souled patriotism. His carefully modulated voice and finished diction added a great charm to bis loyal sentiments, and lie was listened to with intense pleasure. His appropriate quotations from Watson and Kipling made the great packed audience break into most vociferous applause. When lie spoke of the noble assistance of Canada, the feeling ran so high that the people had to stand up to applaud. * * ft ft ft

Sir Robert Stout’s speech was logical and careful, and he ran over some of the chief items of the history of the war in a scholarly way. He had the feeling of the meeting when he said, “Those that are enemies to the Empire are enemies to us.”

The Right Hon. the Premier received a great ovation when he got up to speak to the resolution, and when ho said how we wished to express our gratitude to Mr Chamberlain, the cheering was long and loud. It was one of the points of keenest feeling that we wished to thank Mr Chamberlain for his brave and manly refutation of the wicked lies of our enemies. There was no new ground for the "Premier to go over after three exhaustive and good speeches. But he was full of vitality and loyalty, and he was listened to with intense interest. It was clear that he voiced the feelings of all. When he mentioned tlie German Chancellor’s name, Von Bulow, the groans and hoots told their tale. The Premier said we would send the last man that was needed and spend whatever was necessary to aid our Empire’s cause. It was a most effective speech, and drew out the enthusiasm of his hearers in a wonderful manner. * * * «

The Premier announced that as there were hundreds outside the theatre who could not get in, there would be an adjournment to the front of the Post Office, so that all could have a chance to have a share in sending the resolution. * * * * *

“God Save tha King” was sung with intense feeling, and after votes of thanks to the Mayor and Mr Dix, this memorably magnificent meeting broke up. We had been fulfilling a national duty about which all felt stromriy. * * > * *

Harry Smith’s excellent singhm Air A. Hill’s “When the Empire Calls between the speeches was warmly leceried, and the patriotic chorus was most heartily joined in. An encore had to be responded to, as the audience wanted to sing it- again. * * * * .

A keen feeling of patriotism characterised the out-door meeting, and the speeches were cheered incessantly. When Sir Joseph Ward made his crisp and lively speech, lie ended by moving a resolution from some women of New Zealand. Miss Seddon came forward uith a red, white and blue ribbon pinned to her white silk blouse, and smilingly seconded the resolution, sayinrr the women were ready still to send soul and brothers and even sweethearts to help to bring the war to an end. She was accorded a very hearty cheer.

Mr H. Beauchamp and* Rev* Mr George Bond spoke, and when cheers for Mr Chamberlain were given and “God Save tho King” sung the crowd dispersed.